Optical linear condensation nuclei device



Dec. 5, 1961 F. W. VAN LUIK, JR 3,011,390

OPTICAL LINEAR CONDENSATION NUCLEI DEVICE Dec. 5, 1961 F. w. VAN LUIK, JR

OPTICAL LINEAR CONDENSATION NUCLEI DEVICE Filed Aug. 25', 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 w m a F K E m H nimma f5 rmx n,

nited States Patent O '3,011,390 p OPTICAL LINEAR CONDENSATION NUCLEI DEVICE -Frank W. Van Luik, Jr., Schenectady, N.Y., assigner to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Filed Ang. 25, 1958, Ser. No. 757,018

4 Claims. (Cl. 88-14) The instant invention relates to an apparatus for measuring small airborne particulate matter and more particularly, that known as condensation nuclei.

One of the objects of the instant invention is to provide an apparatus for measuring condensation nuclei which has a linear characteristic `for various nuclei concentrations and operating conditions. In measuring condensation nuclei it is customary to condense water vapor about the nuclei by an adiabatic expansion and to measure the density of the droplet clouds thus formed to determine the nuclei concentration. One well known cloud density measuring technique relies on the amount of light scattered by the cloudas an index of its density., However, the scattered light is linear with nuclei concentration 'only during the period of time when the droplet growth, and hence the scattered light, is linear with time, a condition controlled-by the amount of water vapor available andthe number of nuclei present to abstract this water vapor in growth. Consequently, the period during which the amount of scattered lightvaries linearly with time depends on the nuclei concentration, since the more nuclei present the faster a given quantity of water vapor'is abstracted by the growingdroplets and the more rapidly ice The above objects are carried out in one embodiment of this invention by forming droplet clouds from nuclei bearing gaseous samples through the mechanism of an adiabatic expansion. The density of the droplet clouds is measured by means of a scattered light system to produce an electrical output quantity which is proportional to the density of the droplet cloud. However, only that .portion of the electrical output quantity which is linearly related to the nuclei concentration is applied to a utilization or indicating circuit by interrupting thel electrical output quantity after a predetermined period of time during which the growth of the droplet clouds varies linearly with time. The extent of this time period is varied :in response to changes in the degree of adiabatic expansion of the gaseous sample so that measuring always takes place during the period of linearity.

The novel features which are believed to be characteristie of this invention are set forth with particularity in fixed adiabatic'expansion ratio and varying nuclei conthe point is reached when there is insufficient water vapor If the amount of water vapor available for droplet 'I growth is changed by varying the degree of adiabatic expansion, for example, the rate of droplet growth for a given nuclei concentration varies. It has been found experimentally that this rate of droplet growth increases faster for .a given expansion than the incre-ase in the amount of available water vapor. Hence, if the degree of adiabatic expansion is increased, increasing the amount of water vapor, the time during which the droplet growth and scattered light is lineary with time is decreased since the droplets abstract the vapor at a much faster rate and more than compensate for the increase in the water vapor. As a result, the period of time during which the cloud density is measured by virtueof the' scattered light must be proportionally shortened'for the highest concentration to be measured. Y

It is another object of this invention, therefore, to provide an apparatus for measuring condensation nuclei only during that time period when there is a linear relationship between the nuclei concentration and an outputquantity indicative thereof. l

It is a further object of this invention to provide a condensation nuclei measuring apparatus which is linear over a wide range of nuclei concentrations.

It is yet another object of, this invention, then, to provide a nuclei measuring apparatus in which the time period for measurement varies in response to changes in operating conditions.

Other objects and advantages of'this'invention will become apparent as the description` thereof proceeds.

centrations;

FIGURE 2 shows similar curves illustrating the relationship between scattered light' and time for a different degree of adiabatic expansion;

FIGURE 3 is a partial cross-sectionalview of the novel apparatus of the instant invention;

FIGURE4 is a chart illustrating thel operation cycle of a numberof the elements assembly of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a circuit diagram of the output circuit for the condensation nuclei measuring device of the instant invention;

FIGURES 6A through 6D are diagrams showing the lwave forms of voltages versus time at various points in the circuit of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a 'fragmentary view of a modicatio of the invention. .A

In measuring airborne particulate matter such asy condensation nuclei, if a nuclei bearing lgaseous sample at percent relative humidity is expanded adiabatically so that supersaturation occurs, condensation of excess water vapor occurs initiating growth of droplets about the nuclei. If this process is viewed in an optical chamber in which a light means is so oriented to produce scattered light from the droplets, scattered light intensity as a function of time varies with concentrationin a rmanner illustrated by the curves of FIGURE 1.' The curves of a, b, and c of FIGURE l represent diiereut nuclei concentrations Na, Nb, Nc, with Na Nb Nc and show the variations of scattered light with time. Each of these curves illustrates two distinct conditions duringone of which the scattered light varies linearly with time,

and during the other of which the scattered light varies concentration. Thus, in a curve a, which ,represents'ithe highest concentration the slope of the linear portion is highest and terminates at the time t1. For a lesser concentration, as represented by curve b, the rate at which the excess water is removed from the system is lower and, hence, the droplets grow linearly for a longer period. Thus the slope of the curve is lower and the curve is linear with time for a longer period condition illustrated in curve b by the linearity of that curve until time l2. Similarly, curve c which represents yet a lower nuclei concentration is linear still longer until timeY t3. It is clear from 'the curves of FIGURE l that if measuring takes place during the period t= and r=t1, the period of linearity for the highest concentration of nuclei to be measured by the instrument, that the instrument is also linear for lesser concentrations and the magnitudes of the scattered light are proportional to concentration of nuclei to be measured by the instrument.

If however, the degree of adiabatic expansion to which the nuclei bearing gaseous samples are subjected is varied the time relation of scattered light for concentrations Na, Nb, Nc is shown by a second set of curves a', b', and c in FIGURE 2. These curves have the same general configuration as these in FIGURE l, i.e., a linear portion and a non-linear portion, but are displaced in time. Thus, with the degree of adiabatic expansion changed (an increasing in the illustrated example to produce a higher degree of supersaturation and a greater quantity of excess vapor) the rate of growth of the droplet for a given nuclei concentration increases. As pointed out previously, the increase in the rate of growth is greater than the increase in the amount of vapor so that for a given concentration the droplets grow faster for a shorter period of time during which the curve is linear. Thus in curve a for a concentration Na the period At of linearity of scattered light with time is reduced from All to m4. Hence, to insure continued linearity of operation with changes in expansion it is necessary that the measuring period of the instrument be changed correspondingly.

Similarly, if the degree of adiabatic expansion were reduced rather than raised the curves would tend to shift to the right and give longer periods of linearity and hence it might be desirable to adjust their measuring time period correspondingly. in any event, it is apparent from the curves of FIGURES l and 2 that the measuring ofnuclei for any given degree of adiabatic expansion should take place within that period of time when the scattered light varies linearly with time for the highest concentration of nuclei to be measured and that with changes of the degree of adiabatic expansion this measuring period be correspondingly changed in order to insure that the measurement take place within the period of linear relationship for the new degree of expansion.

Referring now to FIGURE 3 there is illustrated a preierred embodiment of a condensation nuclei measuring device incorporating the principles of the instant invention. There is provided'a means for forming droplet clouds from nuclei bearing gaseous samples which comprises an elongated cylindrical chamber means 1 coupled by means lof a rotary valve 2 to an input conduit 3 through which nuclei bearing gaseous samples are introduced into the chamber. The input conduit 3 contains a humidifying means 4 of suitable configuration, and shown in block diagram form, for bringing the gaseous samples to 100 percent relativerhumidity prior to their introduction y into the chamber. The expansion chamber 1 is also coupled, Vthrough the` same rotary valve 2, to -an output conduit 5 which is connected .to a source of lower pressure such as a vacuum pump, not shown, which supplies a fixed pressure differential to the nuclei bearing samples within the chamber 1. 'Ihe vacuum Y block Vdiagram form, which controls and regulates the pressure diierential applied to the nuclei bearing samples inthe chamber.

Since these samples are introduced into the chamber at percent relative humidity, the sudden expansion due to the application of the xed pressure differential from the vacuum system produces an instantaneous supersaturation, the degree depending on the pressure dilerential applied. Since this condition is an unstable one,l condensation of the excess water vapor about nuclei in the sample is initiated, forming a cloud of water droplets the density of -which about the nuclei is proportional to the nuclei concentration. These droplets begin to grow at a rate depending upon the amount of excess water vapor available and the number of the nuclei present in the chamber.

By measuring the density of the droplet cloud during this period of linear growth of the droplets with time a linear instrument for determining the nuclei concentration may be achieved. To this end, an electro-optical system is provided to produce an electrical output quan,- tity proportional to the droplet cloud density. Hence, a beam of radiant energy is projected through the cham ber 1 which energy is scattered by the droplet cloud and impinges on a light sensitive device to produce an electrical output quantity proportional to the cloud density. A source of radiant energy 7, such as an incandescent lamp or the like, is positioned adjacent to a condenser lens assembly S mounted in one end of the chamber 1 which lens projects and focusses a beam of light onto a second lensV 9 positioned within the chamber. The lens 9 acts as an apparent source of radiant energy and projects the beam through the remaining portion of the expansion chamber onto a transparent exit window 10 mounted in a threaded support assembly and fastened to the opposite end of the chamber. A light sensitive device 11, such as a photomultiplier or the like, is positioned adjacent to the window l0 and is adapted to intercept light scattered by the droplet cloud within the expansion chamber to produce an electrical output quantity proportional to the scattered light and, hence, to the droplet cloud density.

To insure that only scattered light impinges upon the radiation sensitive device, the optical assembly within the same chamber is so constructed and arranged that direct passage of light from the source 7 to the radiation sensitive device is prevented. A circular opaque member 12 is secured to the surface of one of the elements of the condenser lens and blocks a portion of the light from source 7. The size of the opaque disc 12 is such `that a cone of darkness is produced within the beam which covers the transparent window 10 leaving the radiation sensitive deviceA 11 un'illuminated in the absence of a droplet` cloud. A second opaque circular disc 13 is fastened to the opposite end of the chamber andy in front of the window 10 to insure further that there is no direct transmission Vof light between the source and the radiation sensitive device 10. Y A

, Upon the appearance of adroplet cloud however, light is scattered from the hollow cone of light inthe chamber, and intercepted by the radiation sensitive device 11. This scattering area within the chamber is illustrated schematically in FIGURE 3 by means of the dotted portion. The radiation sensitive device llthus produces an electrical output signal which is proportional to the scattered light which is, in turn, a function of the-nuclei concentration.

As is pointed out previously, however, the vramount of scattered lightand consequently the output lsignal from the radiation sensitive device l1 varies linearly as a function of nuclei concentration only during the period when the droplet growth varies linearly with time. Consequently, the output quantity fromthe device 11 is applied to an output or'. indicating circuit only during. this linear period. To this end, the output from the radi,- ation sensitive device 1i is connected through a lter element 14, illustrated in block diagram form, to a timing switch mechanism which interrupts the output electrical quantity from the radiation sensitive device after the predetermined time, thus applying the electrical output quantity only as it is varying linearly with nuclei concentration to an output circuit, such as a peak reading voltmeter `16, illustrated in block diagram form.

Timing switch 15 comprises a cylindrical rotor member 17 secured to a drive sha-ft 18 and driven in synchronism with the con-trol valve 2 from a suitable driving means such as a motor 19. Rotor 17 is constituted of a conducting surface 20 having an axiallyl extending, variable width non-conducting insulating strip 21. A pair of brushes 22 and 23, the latter of which is axially movable along the length of the rotor 17, are respectively connected to the output of the lter 14 and to the input of the output circuit 16. It is apparent from the construction of the timing switch 15 that in the course of a single rotation of the rotor 17 the electrical output quantity from the radiation sensitive device is applied to the output circuit 16 through the brushes 22 and 23 and the conducting portion of the rotor. The length of time during which the switch is closed and .applies the electrical quantity to the output circuit is determined by the axial position of the brushes 22, 23 and the width of the non-conducting portion of .the rotor at a given axial position. That is, whenever the brushes22 and 23 contact the non-conducting portion of the rotor, the switch 15 is opened and interrupting electrical quantity. Consequently, by axially positioning one of the brush members along the yrotor 17, the time in each cycle at which the output signal is interrupted may be varied There is provided a means to vary the length of time during which the output quantity is applied to the output circuit in response to changes in the degree of adiabatic expansion applied to the nuclei bearing samples. To this end, the lower brush element 23is secured to a lever 24 which is moved laterally in response to changes in pressure differential applied to the samples in the chamber 1. Hence, a projection ZSof the lever member 24 rides in a pivoted yoke 26 secured to and rotatable by a pressure differential device 27. The pressure differential device 27 comprises a pair of flexible bellows 28 and 29 connected respectively to the input and output conduits 3, 4, and 5, and rotates the yoke 26 in response to changes in the pressure differential applied to the expansion chamber. Rotation of the yoke 26 causes projection to move in the yoke slot translating rotation of the yoke into lateral movement of the brush 23 along the rotor controlling the time at which the output electrical quantity is interrupted.

The rotary valve assembly 2 which controls the admissionand expansion of nuclei bearing gaseous samples in the expansion chamber, includes a cylindrical hollow bod-y portion 3K0 having the input and output conduits 3 and 5 communicating with the interior thereof. Positioned within the hollow bore is a cylindrical rotor member 31 connected to a drive shaft driven by the motor 19. The valve rotor 31 contains a first recessed portion 32 adapted to come into periodic communication with the input conduit to permit admission of fresh nuclei bearing samples into the chamber. A second recessed portion ax- Vially displaced along the rotor allows periodic communication between the expansion chamber 1 and the vacuum pump, and comprisesA a first narrow slotted portion 33 communicating with a broad recess portion 34.V The recessed portions 32, 33 and 34 are so positioned that during the course of one revolution of the 'rotor 31 a fresh sample is introduced into the chamber and the old sample is flushed out. The fresh sample in the chamber is permitted to come to thermal equilibrium and then a fixed pressure differential from the vacuum pump is applied expanding the sample, forming the droplet cloud. In order to achieve allof these sequential operations, the recessed portion 32 extends for 270 of the rotor .whereas portion y33 being-90 ahead of the leading edge of the' l recess portion 32. The precise construction of the valve 2 and vthe relationship thereof with expansion chamber .1 is disclosed and claimed in application Serial No. 600,540, tiled July 27, 1956, entitled Condensation Nuclei Detector, Bigelow et al. and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. y

FIGURE 4 illustrates, by way of a chart, the operational cycle both for the valve 2 and the timing switch means 15. Thus, it can be seen that valve 2 during one rotation of the rotor. 31 -goes through four distinct operational sequences. First, the iiush portion wherein a fresh sample is brought into the chamber and the old one flushed out with both the inlet and outlet conduits open. The outlet conduit is then closed but the inlet conduit remains opened to permit the chamber to fill with the new sample. Next, the sample is brought to thermal equilibrium during the dwelly portion with both inlet and outlet conduits closed. Finally, the outlet conduit opens applying a pressure dierential from the Vacuum pump system to the chamber and expanding the gaseous samples. It is to be noted that the timing switch assembly closes midway during the ilush portionof the cycle and remains vclosed until a predetermined time, illustrated at ta, after the initiation of the expansion cycle. The precise length of the time period after the initiation of the expand portion of the cycle and hence the formation of the droplet cloud is adjustable by means of the timing s witch assembly 15 in response to changes in the pressure differential applied to the sample.

Referring now to the FIGURE 5, there is illustrated a schematic circuit diagram of the output circuit for the radiation sensitive device 11 incorporating the novel switch element of the instant invention. The light sensitive device 11 is, in a preferred embodiment, a photomultiplying device comprising a collector 35 connected to the positive terminal indicated at -l-B of a voltage supply through a suitable anode resistor, and a photoelectric cathode element 36, upon which the scattered light impinges. A series of secondarily emissive electrodes or dynodes 37 are positioned between the cathode and anode elements and provide `the Well known electron multiplication within the device. A voltage divider 38, one end of which is connected to the negative terminal of a high voltage supply, provides voltage for the photoemissive cathode 36 as well as the individual dynode members 37. As is well known in a device of this type, an electron emitted by the action of impinging light on the photocathode 36 isdrawn towards the successive dynodes 37, each of which emits a number of secondary electrons for each impinging electron. As a consequence of this secondary emission characteristic, a multiplied stream of secondary electrons strikes the collector 35 to produce an output signal which is proportional to the intensity of the light striking the photoemissive cathode 36. The output electrical quantity produced at theA anode of the photomultiplying device is connected to the input of a filter network 14 of well known construction, and illustrated in block diagram form, which removes all alternating voltage components and produces at the output thereof, varying direct current voltage, the amplitude of which is proportional to the density of the droplet cloud and, hence, the amountiof scattered light. Connected to the output of the filter nework is a switch mechanism 15illustrated schematically, which interrupts the varying D.-C. voltage after a tixed` period of time to insure, as explained previously, that the output voltage is linearly related to the droplet cloud density and, hence, to the nuclei concentration. Thus, the timing switch mechanism 15 periodically applies the electrical quantity from the photomultiplying device to the input control electrode 39 of a space discharge device 40 of the vacuum triode type. t The triode comprises a cathode 41 connected to a sourcel of reff erence potential, such as ground, by means of a suitable 'cathode resistor 42 and an anode 43 which is connected through a suitable resistor to the positive terminal, indicated at +B, of a high voltage supply. Connected to the anode of the discharge device 40 is an output terminal 44 which is connected to a storage and indicating device, such as a peak reading voltmeter, not shown, which produces an output proportional to the magnitude of the electrical quantity, and thus may indicate and be calibrated directly in terms of nuclei concentrations.

FXGURES a-d illustrate the wave forms at various points of'the circuit illustrated in FIGURE 5 and are helpful in understanding the operation of the system. Thus, FIGURE 6a sho-ws the wave form of the output voltage appearing at the anode of the full or multiplying device comprises a voltage varying with time vthat rises linearly for a portion thereof and then varies non-linearly for the remaining portion. The time varying voltage illustrated in 6a contains a number of alternating current components due to such extraneous factors as the 60 cycle flicker from the light source 7, which alternating components are removed by applying this signal to the ltering element 14.

The time -varying voltage appearing at the output of the filter 14 is illustrated in FIGURE 6b and now has the alternating current components removed and includes linear and non-linear portions. The time varying wave form of FIGURE 6b is interrupted by means of the timing switch 15 in such a manner that only the linear portion of that wave form is transmitted to the control electrode of the amplifying means 4t2. FIGURE 6c shows this interrupted wave form. As may be noted from this figure, the time varying wave form has now been terminated and interruptedl so that the non-linear portion thereof is not applied to the amplifying element. Thus, the amplitude of the time varying signal is now linearly related to the scattered light and hence, the nuclei concentration. Time varying signals of differing amplitudes, illustrated by the dashed lines in FIGURE 6c, now represent concentrations of lower value and the magnitudes of the voltages may be directly compared in order to determine the relative concentrations. The point in time at which the wave form of FIGURE 6c is interrupted is, of course, varied with changes of expansion ratio.

FIGURE 6d il`ustrates the inverted and amplied wave shape of FIGURE 6c which appears at the output terminal 44 connected to the anode of the triode 40. This wave shape is now applied to a utilization circuit such as a peak reading voltmeter, which stores the peak magnitude of this voltage which may then be applied to an indicating means calibrated directly innuclei concentrations. It is apparent then, that by utilizing a condensation nuclei measuring apparatus of this type and interrupting the electrical output quantity from the electro-optical system after a predetermined period, this electrical output quantity is measured only during the period when it is linearly related to the nuclei concentration. Hence, this instrument may utilize linear indicating scalesV and has a constant calibration for varying expansion ratios.

In the apparatus of FIGURE 3 the pressure differential means to adjust the position of the brushes along the rotor 17 is illustrated as a pair of eXible bellows adapted to position the yoke 26 as a function of the pressure differential. FIGURE 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of such a positioning means wherein the movable brush element 2,3 is secured to a lever 45 mounted on a rocker arm 46 fastened Ato a differential pressure sensing device, comprising a pair of Bourdon tubes 47 and 48 having the input conduit 3` and the output conduit connected. As is well known in such devices, the Bourdon tubes tend to straighten under the influence of the internal pressure applied thereto and hence, position the lever and the brush secured thereto `as a function of the differential pressure applied thereto.

While a particular embodiment-of this invention has been shown, it will of course be understood that it is not limited thereto, since many modiiications, both in the circuit arrangement and in the instrumentaities employed may be made. It is contemplated by the'appended claims to cover any such modiiications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. In a linear condensation nucleidevice the combination comprising, means to form droplet clouds from condensation nuclei bearing gaseous samples by subjecting said samples to a predetermined pressure diiferential, measuring means to determine the nuclei concentration including an electro-optical means associated with said rst named means to produce an electrical output proportional to the droplet density, means coupled to said electro-optical means to apply the output to a utilization circuit during the period when the droplet growth variesiinearly with time and said output varies linearly with nuc'ei concentration, said last named means including a rotary switch for interrupting said output after a predetermined time, said switch comprising a cylindrical rotor having a conductive portion and an axially extending nonconductive portion, and means contacting said rotor whereby said switch is opened and said output is interrupted after said predetermined time, and means to move said contacting means axially along said rotor to vary the interruption time for said output in response to changes in the pressure differential to which said samples are subjected.

2. in a linear condensation nuclei measuring device, the -combination comprising means to expand nuclei bearing gaseous samples by subjecting them to a predetermined pressure differential to form droplet clouds about the entrained nuclei, measuring means associated with said first named means for measuring the density of said droplet clouds as an indication of the nuclei concentration, and means for controlling the measuring interval of said measuring means including means responsive to the predetermined pressure differential to which said samples are subjected and operatively coupled/to said measuring means to enable said measuring means for a predetermined interval only during which time the rate of growth of droplet formation is linear to thereby produce a linear output from said measuring means.

3. In a linear condensation nuclei measuring device, the combination comprising means to expand nuclei bearing gaseous samples by subjecting them to a pressure differential to form droplet clouds about the entrained nuclei, measuring means associated with said rst named means for measuring the density of said droplet clouds as an indication of the nuclei concentration, and means for controlling the measuring interval of said measuring means including switch means operatively connected to said measuring means for enabling said measuring circuit upon closure, and pressure sensitive means operatively coupled to said switch means and to said means for expanding the nuclei bearing gaseous sample for varying the closure time of said switchy means for a predetermined interval only during which time the rate of growth of droplet formation is linear in response to changes in the pressure differential to which said samples are subjected to produce a linear output from said measuring means.

4. In a linear condensationtnuclei measuring device, the combination comprising means for expanding nuclei Vcaring gaseous samples by subjecting them to a pressure diiierential to form droplet clouds about the entrained nuclei, measuring meansV for determining the nuclei concentration including electro-optical means associated with said iirst named means for producing an electrical output proportional to the cloud densityfrom the optical characteristics of said clouds, a utilization circuit adapted to receive said electrical output to provide an indication of Y the nuclei concentration from said output, and rotary timing switch means for controlling the measuring interval of said measuring means in response to changes in said pressure diierential, said switch means being coupled between said electro-optical means and said utilization circuit to interrupt said electrical output after a predetermined time period during which the droplet cloud is linear with time, and pressure sensitive means operated in response to said pressure differential to control the closure time of said switch whereby said output is supplied tothe utilization circuit only during the period When said output is linearly related to the nuclei concentration.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES Review of Scientific Instruments, vol. 26, pages 10 710, July 1955. Q184.R5. 

